He is the incredibly talented author of my FAVE book of late 2014. He is Mr. Derek Rempfer, and I am honored to bring you an up-close and personal interview with this amazing writer. First, a bit about his novel WHERE THE BROKEN LIE. You can pick up this fabulous book right now for JUST .99 CENTS!!! Hurry, though, before this special deal expires.
When Tucker returns to his hometown of Willow Grove to grieve the death of his infant son, memories of the murder of Katie, his childhood sweetheart, are ignited. In spite of her death being blamed on a mentally challenged drifter known as Slim Jim, Tucker wonders if the real killer is still out there. With new clues arriving through anonymous letters left at the graveyard, Tucker is certain that Katie's death is truly unsolved. While coming to terms with the loss of his son, Tucker also seeks truth. But the real killer may be out there, willing to kill again to protect a dark secret.
Where The Broken Lie shines a spotlight on small-town secrets, faith, fear, love and loss in this enigmatic journey into the scarred hearts left behind.
And now, Mr. Rempfer...
What do you do for fun, when you’re not writing?
- I’m a sports nerd, so much of my time is spent watching/following or coaching (my kids) sports. Unfortunately, I don’t play so much anymore, unless you count fantasy baseball which I LOVE to play. See? Nerd.
What made you choose to write?
- You know…I’m not sure. It’s like asking me what made me choose to have green eyes. I think it’s a DNA thing. I always loved reading and as my taste in literature evolved, I think I acquired a real respect for people with the ability to eloquently express themselves and connect with others via the written word. There is a patience and a permanence to the written word. Written words are crafted and meant to last.
What is something that you love to do that someone else may find a little shocking?
- Hmm…I suppose that those who have joined me in tossing back shots of Patron Silver at the local taverns might be surprised that I love reading the bible. I find comfort and wisdom in it.
- On another note, my wife and I are currently taking ballroom dancing lessons. I’m very bad. The instructor called me “a clopper”.
In 100 words or less, make us HAVE to read your book!
- I didn’t write something to sell, I wrote something to share. It is a story of human experience that will likely cause you to laugh and will definitely move you to tears. Knowing that much of it is pulled directly from my own experiences will make it resonate deeply with you. But you’ll also get wrapped up in the plot because the story is equal parts mystery and literary fiction. And when you read it, you’ll know that I crafted each word and made them to last.
How long did it take you from concept to finished product?
- The crux of the story took about 3 years. I learned a lot during the process that I hope will shorten the time it takes me to write the next one.
Best piece of advice for new writers.
- Perspiration over inspiration. Don’t romanticize the process or wait for The Muse. My experience is that The Muse isn’t some wispy ethereal figure that floats down in a dream. She’s buried under ground and you’ve got to dig her out.
Are there any projects that you are currently working on and wish to share?
- I have two projects that I’m working on. One is a sequel to Where The Broken Lie and the other is a Young Adult novel. The idea for the YA novel came to me years ago and I absolutely LOVE the concept and the characters. It has a little more magic to it than Where The Broken Lie, but it has some of that same small-town, down-home feel to it. I can’t wait to finish it and share it!
Now let’s play a little ‘this or that’…
As ice cream goes – chocolate or vanilla?
- Chocolate all day.
Early bird or night owl?
- More early bird these days
Paper or plastic?
- Paper. You can’t write on plastic. J
Rock ‘n roll or country?
- It’s gotta be rock ‘n roll music if you wanna dance with me.
Finally – you are being sent to a deserted island with one small suitcase of belongings. What’s in there…?(and there’s room for only one book.)
- Somebody once answered that question by saying that the book would be “How to Build a Boat,” or something to that effect. Assuming that’s not available and ignoring all things practical (clothing, tools, etc), I’d bring:
Thank you, Derek for being here and for your beautiful novel!
When Tucker returns to his hometown of Willow Grove to grieve the death of his infant son, memories of the murder of Katie, his childhood sweetheart, are ignited. In spite of her death being blamed on a mentally challenged drifter known as Slim Jim, Tucker wonders if the real killer is still out there. With new clues arriving through anonymous letters left at the graveyard, Tucker is certain that Katie's death is truly unsolved. While coming to terms with the loss of his son, Tucker also seeks truth. But the real killer may be out there, willing to kill again to protect a dark secret.
Where The Broken Lie shines a spotlight on small-town secrets, faith, fear, love and loss in this enigmatic journey into the scarred hearts left behind.
And now, Mr. Rempfer...
What do you do for fun, when you’re not writing?
- I’m a sports nerd, so much of my time is spent watching/following or coaching (my kids) sports. Unfortunately, I don’t play so much anymore, unless you count fantasy baseball which I LOVE to play. See? Nerd.
What made you choose to write?
- You know…I’m not sure. It’s like asking me what made me choose to have green eyes. I think it’s a DNA thing. I always loved reading and as my taste in literature evolved, I think I acquired a real respect for people with the ability to eloquently express themselves and connect with others via the written word. There is a patience and a permanence to the written word. Written words are crafted and meant to last.
What is something that you love to do that someone else may find a little shocking?
- Hmm…I suppose that those who have joined me in tossing back shots of Patron Silver at the local taverns might be surprised that I love reading the bible. I find comfort and wisdom in it.
- On another note, my wife and I are currently taking ballroom dancing lessons. I’m very bad. The instructor called me “a clopper”.
In 100 words or less, make us HAVE to read your book!
- I didn’t write something to sell, I wrote something to share. It is a story of human experience that will likely cause you to laugh and will definitely move you to tears. Knowing that much of it is pulled directly from my own experiences will make it resonate deeply with you. But you’ll also get wrapped up in the plot because the story is equal parts mystery and literary fiction. And when you read it, you’ll know that I crafted each word and made them to last.
How long did it take you from concept to finished product?
- The crux of the story took about 3 years. I learned a lot during the process that I hope will shorten the time it takes me to write the next one.
Best piece of advice for new writers.
- Perspiration over inspiration. Don’t romanticize the process or wait for The Muse. My experience is that The Muse isn’t some wispy ethereal figure that floats down in a dream. She’s buried under ground and you’ve got to dig her out.
Are there any projects that you are currently working on and wish to share?
- I have two projects that I’m working on. One is a sequel to Where The Broken Lie and the other is a Young Adult novel. The idea for the YA novel came to me years ago and I absolutely LOVE the concept and the characters. It has a little more magic to it than Where The Broken Lie, but it has some of that same small-town, down-home feel to it. I can’t wait to finish it and share it!
Now let’s play a little ‘this or that’…
As ice cream goes – chocolate or vanilla?
- Chocolate all day.
Early bird or night owl?
- More early bird these days
Paper or plastic?
- Paper. You can’t write on plastic. J
Rock ‘n roll or country?
- It’s gotta be rock ‘n roll music if you wanna dance with me.
Finally – you are being sent to a deserted island with one small suitcase of belongings. What’s in there…?(and there’s room for only one book.)
- Somebody once answered that question by saying that the book would be “How to Build a Boat,” or something to that effect. Assuming that’s not available and ignoring all things practical (clothing, tools, etc), I’d bring:
o
A bible
o
Pictures of my family
o
Paper and pencils
o
A really great pillow
o
A coffee maker…just in case
Thank you, Derek for being here and for your beautiful novel!
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